Neuronal damage - recent issues and implications for therapy

The spectrum of structural damage in the brain associated with HIV is now m ore fully understood. Such changes include inflammatory disorders (such as HIV encephalitis, leukoencephalopathy, and diffuse poliodystrophy), dendrit ic and synaptic damage, and neuronal loss. However, the relationship betwee n neuronal damage and loss and clinical variables is still not clear. In my laboratory my research group has been addressing three separate areas, whi ch will be the subject of this presentation. (1) The relationship of neuron al damage and loss to various clinical features such as cognitive symptoms, and risk group. (2) The cellular site of production of neurotoxic factors in the HIV-infected brain. (3) Assessing potential neuroprotective strategi es using appropriate in-vitro models.